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I was a homeless Veteran myself in 1998 and found that my life had gradually gone downhill since my discharge from the United States Navy. During the Vietnam era all my peers were doing drugs daily and drinking with no repercussions from our leaders. Like most I went in at an early age (17) and had never done drugs at all or even had more than a sip of beer from my Father. This changed quickly. After leaving the Navy my "Partying lifestyle" continued on unabated. It eventually caused the loss of two marriage's. Five Union Jobs. Dropping out of College. Getting a DWI. and much more madness.

While still in the Navy I realized early on that something was wrong and asked for help. I thought they could counsel me and get me put back the way I was when I enlisted. This never happened.

Twenty years went by and my life finally fell apart. I found myself in rehab where a Vet rep came to see us from the United States Veterans Initiative in Inglewood, Calif. This was the best decision I have made in my adult life, to go to U.S. Vets upon my completion of rehab. I have now been sober for over 11 years and have worked for U.S. Vets helping other Veterans to overcome their barriers to success ever since. I even went back to college to become a Counselor.

Today we are finding that our young Veterans are coming out of the Military homeless and without work, (something that took me 20 years to accomplish) These men and women have seen and participated in horrible things that keep us free but they are now paying the ultimate price for our freedom. Many have Traumatic Brain injuries, P.T.S.D., and even missing limbs.

U.S. Vets is grown to 10 sites Nationally in order to accomodate the need of our Vets across the country. And found in five states. We have programs designed to fit the need of each individual Veteran wheather he be young or old. And tailored to fit the individual barriers of each person as well.

If you know of a Veteran who needs assistance please have him or her contact us. Services are free to the Vet in need.

www.usvetsinc.org

"All gave some and some Gave all" Let's not forget the sacrifice made by our Veterans and those still in uniform.

There are 100's of Korean war Vets dying each day. There are thousands of Vietnam Vets homeless each day. We are now getting OIF and OEF Veterans coming home with no job or place to live. This can not go on.

Feel free to stop by any US Vets site and thank our Veterans for their service to their country and in keeping your familys safe.

Learn more about this author, George Smith.
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